: The applicant is an Assistant Professor in the University Of Florida Department Of Physical Therapy. She has a Master's degree in Physical Therapy and a Ph.D. in Biomechanics and Movement Sciences. Her goal is to become an independent investigator focused on designing and implementing multidisciplinary clinical and translational investigations to maximize functional outcome and reduce the risk for post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA) in persons with knee injury. Through this K01 award, the applicant will gain skills in conducting clinical trials, assessing articular cartilage morphology with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and performing biochemical analysis of articular cartilage and inflammation biomarkers to become uniquely cross-trained and able to undertake a comprehensive approach to studying knee rehabilitation. Her co-mentors, Dr. Vandenborne and Dr. Leeuwenburgh, will help her transition from junior faculty to independent investigator through rigorous mentorship and practical training, didactic course work, and participation in seminars and conferences. The Primary Aim of the research plan is to determine the effect of intensive quadriceps strengthening on functional outcome and articular cartilage structure after meniscectomy. The Secondary Aim is to examine the association of post-meniscectomy quadriceps strength deficits with lower extremity loading symmetry and the extent of knee inflammation. After baseline testing, 54 subjects with a meniscectomy will be randomly assigned to a 6-week standard rehabilitation program or standard rehabilitation augmented with intensive quadriceps strengthening (high-intensity neuromuscular electrical stimulation and eccentric exercise). Subjects will be re-assessed 7 weeks and 1 year after treatment group assignment. Groups will be compared for differences in self-reported knee function, and in percent loss of tibial cartilage volume on MRI scans from baseline to 1 year. Quadriceps strength deficits will be correlated with peak vertical ground reaction force symmetry during functional activities, and with levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and IL-1beta) in synovial fluid. The career development plan and supervised research experiences will provide the candidate with the necessary research skills for a career as an independent research investigator and fill an important research gap. UF provides an excellent training environment with state-of-the-art facilities and a large number of faculties with an expertise in rehabilitation research.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research & Training (K01)
Project #
5K01HD052713-03
Application #
7684220
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZHD1-DSR-K (TC))
Program Officer
Shinowara, Nancy
Project Start
2007-09-30
Project End
2012-08-31
Budget Start
2009-09-01
Budget End
2010-08-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$105,319
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Florida
Department
Other Health Professions
Type
Schools of Public Health
DUNS #
969663814
City
Gainesville
State
FL
Country
United States
Zip Code
32611
Dubose, Dominique F; Herman, Daniel C; Jones, Deborah L et al. (2017) Lower Extremity Stiffness Changes after Concussion in Collegiate Football Players. Med Sci Sports Exerc 49:167-172
Chmielewski, Terese L; George, Steven Z; Tillman, Susan M et al. (2016) Low- Versus High-Intensity Plyometric Exercise During Rehabilitation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction. Am J Sports Med 44:609-17
Lentz, Trevor A; Zeppieri Jr, Giorgio; George, Steven Z et al. (2015) Comparison of physical impairment, functional, and psychosocial measures based on fear of reinjury/lack of confidence and return-to-sport status after ACL reconstruction. Am J Sports Med 43:345-53
Hsieh, Chao-Jung; Indelicato, Peter A; Moser, Michael W et al. (2015) Speed, not magnitude, of knee extensor torque production is associated with self-reported knee function early after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc 23:3214-20
Chmielewski, Terese L; Martin, Christine; Lentz, Trevor A et al. (2014) Normalization considerations for using the unilateral seated shot put test in rehabilitation. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 44:518-24
Hartigan, Erin H; Lynch, Andrew D; Logerstedt, David S et al. (2013) Kinesiophobia after anterior cruciate ligament rupture and reconstruction: noncopers versus potential copers. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 43:821-32
George, Steven Z; Lentz, Trevor A; Zeppieri, Giorgio et al. (2012) Analysis of shortened versions of the tampa scale for kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing scale for patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Clin J Pain 28:73-80
Lentz, Trevor A; Zeppieri Jr, Giorgio; Tillman, Susan M et al. (2012) Return to preinjury sports participation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: contributions of demographic, knee impairment, and self-report measures. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 42:893-901
Chmielewski, T L; Trumble, T N; Joseph, A-M et al. (2012) Urinary CTX-II concentrations are elevated and associated with knee pain and function in subjects with ACL reconstruction. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 20:1294-301
Mizner, Ryan L; Chmielewski, Terese L; Toepke, John J et al. (2012) Comparison of 2-dimensional measurement techniques for predicting knee angle and moment during a drop vertical jump. Clin J Sport Med 22:221-7

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